The Nasarawa Government says it is working to improve the welfare package of health workers to attract and retain qualified personnel in the state’s health facilities.
Dr Gwamna Gaza, the state Commissioner for Health, disclosed this on Wednesday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the General Hospital, Nasarawa, Nasarawa Local Government Area.
Gaza said that the visit was in response to a video circulated on social media highlighting inadequate staffing at the hospital, which attracted the attention of Gov. Abdullahi Sule.
He said that the governor had directed the Ministry of Health to investigate the situation and provide an immediate solution.
The commissioner thanked the woman who recorded and circulated the video for drawing attention to the situation, adding that the ministry welcomed public observations and concerns about healthcare delivery.
He, however, explained that patient turnout was usually low at weekends, and that the midwife on duty had exercised poor judgment by failing to call for assistance from nurses working in other sections of the hospital when the number of patients increased.
Gaza assured residents that measures were being taken to address the situation and prevent a recurrence.
On concerns over a reported case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the commissioner urged residents of Nasarawa not to panic.
He assured residents that the government had activated disease surveillance systems across the state.
Gaza said the surveillance systems were operational at ward and local government levels to ensure prompt detection and response to any suspected case.
According to him, Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers have been sensitised, while isolation centres have been activated and health facilities placed on alert to identify suspected symptoms.
The commissioner said health facilities had also been directed to promptly activate the relevant treatment protocols whenever a suspected case was identified.
He thanked Gov. Sule for providing leadership and approving funds to strengthen preparedness against disease outbreaks, including Ebola and Lassa fever.
